GUY BOUCHER TURNS DOWN COLUMBUS JOB

According to the Columbus Dispatch, Hamilton Bulldogs head coach Guy Boucher has turned down the Columbus Blue Jackets head coaching job.

It’s unclear why Boucher turned down the offer, but it’s likely that his parent club – the Montreal Canadiens – either offered him a pay raise or a job promotion to keep him within the organization. Boucher coached the Canadiens’ top minor-league affiliate in Hamilton, Ont., this season.

It’s also possible that Boucher is in line for two other NHL openings – New Jersey or TampaBay.

People in Columbus may be unwilling to admit that the Blue Jackets are just not a very good destination. The team had the fourth lowest salary structure in the NHL last season. Only Nashville, Phoenix and the Islanders paid out less. The lack of financial committment has led to six coaches in the ten year history of the club and one playoff berth over the decade the team has existed.